Andre Maurois, born Emile Herzog on July 26, 1885, in Elbeuf, France, was a renowned French author, biographer, and essayist. Throughout his prolific career, he wrote insightful biographies of figures like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Benjamin Disraeli, as well as novels and essays that explored human relationships, personal growth, and societal changes. Maurois was elected to the Académie française in 1938, cementing his legacy as a literary giant. His works often reflected on life’s intricacies, drawing from personal and historical experiences. The quotes here are sourced from his books, essays, and interviews, focusing on themes of life. Below is a curated list of 15 quotes by Andre Maurois about life, offering timeless wisdom.
15 Andre Maurois Quotes
1. “The art of living is the art of believing lies.” (Book, “Aspects of Biography”, 1929)
2. “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” (Book, “Climats”, 1928)
3. “Growing old is no more than a bad habit which a busy person has no time to form.” (Interview, Le Monde, 1955)
4. “We owe respect to the living; to the dead we owe only truth.” (Essay, “Un Art de Vivre”, 1939)
5. “Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.” (Attributed, n.d.)
6. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Book, “The Art of Living”, 1939)
7. “In love, unlike most other passions, the recollection of what you have had and lost is always better than what you can hope for in the future.” (Book, “Climats”, 1928)
8. “Men and women are not born inconstant: they are made so by their early amorous experiences.” (Book, “Ariel”, 1923)
9. “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” (Book, “The Art of Living”, 1939)
10. “To be adult is to be alone.” (Interview, Paris Match, 1962)
11. “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” (Book, “The Life of Disraeli”, 1928)
12. “One must choose in all things a mean just and good.” (Essay, “Aspects of Biography”, 1929)
13. “The secret of happiness is to admire without desiring.” (Book, “The Art of Living”, 1939)
14. “We are molded and remolded by those who have loved us, and though we may not have pleased them, or they us, and though the love may be no longer there, we cannot erase it from our hearts.” (Book, “Climats”, 1928)
15. “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” (Book, “Un Art de Vivre”, 1939)
These quotes by Andre Maurois illuminate his deep understanding of life’s challenges and beauties, revealing a man who valued introspection, relationships, and resilience. They reflect his compassionate view of human nature, encouraging us to embrace growth and find meaning in everyday experiences. Maurois’s wisdom continues to inspire, reminding us that life’s art lies in thoughtful living. Share your favorite quote or how it resonates with your life in the comments below.